My elderberry bush has been growing out of control this year! It was time for a trim, and I didn’t want these gorgeous leaves to go to waste. Elder leaves should not be ingested, but they make a wonderful oil or balm to use for bruises, sprains, and pain.
The leaves (as well as the stems) of the elder plant should never be ingested because they contain a toxic amount of cyanogenic glycosides. When digested, these glycosides release very small amounts of a form of cyanide. It is not enough to be deadly, but it can make you sick. While there is only one reported instance of hospitalization from elder poisoning, it can cause nausea and vomiting. Elder flowers do not contain this compound. Elderberries contain very small amounts in their seeds – generally not enough to cause any reactions. Cooking the berries as we do to make syrup or jam deactivates the glycosides and eliminates any potential risk of upset stomach.Â
How to make an herbal oil (quick method):Â
Heat oven to 300*F.Â
Mix 1 ounce dried herb per cup of oil in a jar.
Turn off heat; place jar in oven.
Let sit 3 hours.
Remove from oven; strain when cool enough to handle. Â
Cover tightly, label with ingredients and date, and store in a cool, dark place. Will keep for at least 2 years.
To see how to turn this oil into a salve, see the instagram post below —>
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